Nicholls State University

Chris Thompson is in his fourth season as cornerbacks coach for the Nicholls State University football program.

In his first year as a coach, Thompson made an immediate impact on the Colonel defense. Nicholls finished the season with a Southland-best 15 interceptions, with seven coming from cornerbacks Jeff Hall (4) and Christian Boutte (3). Two years ago, the pass defense allowed just 206.3 yards per game which ranked third in the Southland. Boutte, who was one of five defensive backs to record an interception in 2017, went on to earn a camp invite for the Oakland Raiders. 

Last season, sophomore Darren Evans emerged as one of the top cover corners in the Southland, earning All-SLC Second Team. As a unit, the secondary allowed only two 100-yard receivers in 2018 and the Colonels ranked third in the conference in passing defense at 232.3 yards per game.

A native of New Orleans, Thompson returned to Thibodaux to coach at his alma mater where he was put together a Hall of Fame career from 2000-03. A 2012 inductee, Thompson was a two-time All-American at Nicholls and finished his career with 11 interceptions, which ranks eighth on the program’s all-time list. Thompson is also tied for the program’s single-game interception record as he picked off three passes in the Colonels’ win over FBS Arkansas State in 2001.

Following his career at Nicholls, Thompson went on to be drafted in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2004 NFL Draft. He added stints with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills before going on to play eight years in the Canadian Football League. 

Thompson started his CFL career with the Edmonton Eskimos and also played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes. He was selected as an All-Star twice in his career, including in 2008 when he led the league with nine interceptions as he was named Hamilton’s Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Thompson graduated from Nicholls with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in business. He resides in New Orleans with his wife, Sherrica, and two children, Cailyn and Chris Jr.


THE THOMPSON FILE

Personal: Born May 19, 1982. Hometown: New Orleans, La. Family: Has a wife, Sherrica; daughter, Cailyn; and son, Chris Jr.

Playing Experience: Played defensive back at Nicholls (2000-03); Jacksonville Jaguars (2004); Chicago Bears (2005); Buffalo Bills (2007); Berlin Thunder (NFL Europe) (2007); Edmonton Eskimos (2007); Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2008-09), Edmonton Eskimos (2010-13); Montreal Alouettes (2015).

Education: Received a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in business from Nicholls.